Pit Fighter (2005) User Reviews

Du*b movie but i have seen better

[Zenkasas · 5/10 · 27 May 2005]

If you are not ready for drama action so you shouldn't watch this film. Scenario isn't too good. No really good action no anything Van Dam's films are better but it's OK for people who like action and drama mix. (sorry for my English). For know if you really want to watch some action you should really have a look at film Unleashed there is everything what this movie doesn't have action and everything. I don't really know what the film makers wanted to show with this film. I'v have tried to look at the bright side of this film but it has no such thing.

I don't know if you want you can watch this film film but it not worth your time. (it's just my opinion)

Plowing the Sea

[bemyfriend-40184 · 4/10 · 16 October 2021]

Fidel Castro once said, "He who serves the revolution, plows the sea." The movie starts engagingly. A mystery abounds; and it slowly unfolds as a drop in the surreal sea. The fights are only okay, but at least they're okay. Then, the girlfriend shows up; and we get the total flashback. It looks like some attempt at comedy. I quickly lost respect for this movie. Someone once said, "Without respect, a man is nothing." The script if filled with morose, self-indulgent ponderings; while life is peed away like so much piss into a stained urinal in a Mexican brothel. The end is just plain stupid. Maybe it's a satire of Quentin Tarantino. And the Communista revolution lives. Does anyone still believe in that? Of course not. It's part of the big joke. But the joke isn't funny anymore.

A stepping stone

[Leofwine_draca · 3/10 · 21 October 2018]

PIT FIGHTER is one of the earlier films in the filmography of director Jesse Johnson, best known these days for making hard-hitting straight-to-video action flicks starring Scott Adkins. This one's another action movie but sadly it's a very cheap and cheesy one, made with little in the way of insight or originality. The protagonist is a walking lump of meat with zero personality while the interesting actors, like Stephen Graham and, yes, Scott Adkins, are stuck in tiny roles. The film has a cheap and gloomy digital look to it which doesn't distinguish it much; the storytelling is muddled and, most crucially, the fight scenes have insipid choreography.

not worth to watch

[jveldkamp · 2/10 · 29 May 2005]

This movie is hilarious, not in good way. The fights are awfully bad done, while sometimes they will try to shock you by breaking some bones, and even this happens only two or three times, definitely not enough to call it a shockmovie. A gunfight means a hero can walk into an open field with 10 people shooting at him with uzi's, pick up a gun, start shooting back and not get hurt.

The story empty, guy waking up, lost his memory, starts fighting cos that's what he's good at. Five years later memories come back, takes revenge blablabla.

Not worth your buck, not really worth your time unless you're drunk and bored.

Do NOT see this one...

[impaler-1 · 1/10 · 28 June 2008]

This movie is so bad that I cannot even begin to describe it. What in the blazing pit is wrong with the writers, producers and director? How on earth did they get funding for this abomination? The plot is laughable, the acting is poor at best, the story... What story? The first fight in this movie is OK but then it keeps repeating itself until you want to turn it off.

I guess I'm the biggest looser for not turning this stupid movie off after the first minute.

*** SPOLER ALERT ***

I only saw this movie because Scott Adkins was in it... and he is in it... for 30 seconds...

I give it 1 out of 10 because it's the lowest grade IMDb has to offer.

Do yourself a favour: See an Uwe Boll movie instead... twice... it's more worthy of your time.

Semi-pretentious low-budget action -- Yay?

[brchthethird · 4/10 · 10 August 2016]

I honestly don't know where to start with this one. It took me two tries to get through it, as the first 20 minutes nearly put me to sleep (on second thought, maybe I shouldn't watch these so late at night...). Whatever, in any case the filmmakers seemed to have a few things they wanted to say with PIT FIGHTER, but much of the "message" (if one can call it that) is blunted by not really explaining anything and massive imbalance in the narrative threads that would have fleshed out exactly what we were supposed to divine from this poorly edited mess of an action film. It's also bookended by a couple of Bible quotes that have something to do with the scenes they immediately precede/follow, but little else (in my estimation).

The basic plot is that a mysterious man who nearly died in a shootout and has memory loss gets taken under the wing of a low level criminal in the Mexican mafia (Steven Bauer, SCARFACE). He discovers/remembers a talent for fighting, and so he starts participating in underground kickboxing matches for money. All the while he has memories of a woman he loved and thought dead, but things change when he sees her one night after a fight.

As messy and cheap as the film is, it's not all for nothing. There is a decent amount of kickboxing action, and brutal action at that. There was one scene with a guy's eyeball hanging out of his skull, which was kind of cool. I also thought that the overall pacing of the fight sequences was adequate so that the overly ponderous narrative never got too much to take. The best action scene is probably the final shootout between the titular "fighter" and what I'm guessing was the Mexican mafia. You get to see him mow through all of these guys, often using their own weapons against them, and then resorting to a sword that he brought with him. The gunplay and sword-fighting was a nice changeup from the brawling that came before it.

Where the film misses is about everywhere else. They tried to make the main character, Jack (as we learn late into the film), into some religious nut. He allows opponents to "show off" by beating him up before knocking them out. He donates his winnings to a local priest (from Ireland? The ethnic makeup of the cast was head-scratching at times. Was everyone except the mafia an immigrant or living there temporarily?). He also has visions of the Virgin Mary that aren't explained (except kind of at the end where the actual person he's been seeing is named). It was all rather weird, and the last minute revelations/memories he has about his forgotten past smacked of narrative convenience, i.e., to add an extra wrinkle to the final conflict.

Another issue is the major subplot regarding Jack's girlfriend(?) Marianne, who turns out to be some university professor-turned-revolutionary stealing from the mafia in order to fund antigovernment rebels (or something like that). The story of an amnesiac who remembers his past and then confronts it would have been sufficient, in my opinion. But, I guess the filmmakers thought since it was set in a Central American country they might as well throw in some half-baked subplot about the very real political and social turmoil in the region...without any nuance, of course.

As for the other elements, the acting was generally poor. The best actor was Steven Bauer (of SCARFACE fame), but even it seemed like he was phoning it in. The oddest of the cast had to have been the "doctor" who patches Jack up at the beginning. He had these weird mannerisms and speech pattern that was really off-putting. It also didn't help that his dialogue didn't seem based in reality (I know the filmmakers weren't medical experts, but come on, they could have researched a little bit). The cinematography was decent for a low-budget movie, with the occasional shot that looked like it could be part of a TV documentary, but the washed-out look was kind of depressing and just emphasized how cheap-looking everything was. Camera-work was OK, I guess, but nothing special.

Overall, I would say that only those with the lowest of standards would possibly get any enjoyment out of this. It had the potential to be laughably bad, but the tone and look would make it hard to have fun with a drinking game, were someone inclined to make one out of this. Basically, this wasn't worth my time and it probably won't be worth yours either.

Not very good, but entertaining

[bolidul · 6/10 · 3 June 2005]

This movie is all about fighting ("no rules" type of fighting) and shooting. Don't look for anything else, because you won't find it. In my opinion, there are movies (like "Chek law dak gung - Naked Weapon" or this one) that can not be judged by their artistic value. They are not supposed to make you think, to impress you, to make a difference. They are simply made for entertaining. This movie is not very good, but fighting and shooting scenes are done pretty well, even though that stuff that's supposed to be blood doesn't look at all like the real thing. Some of the scenes are more violent than usual, because it is brutal street fighting we are talking about here, not those stylish, beautifully choreographed fight scenes we can find in most of Jet Li's movies.

My rating: 6 out of 10.

The Mona Lisa of B fighter movies, what a ride!

[stormruston · 9/10 · 1 September 2005]

I went into this one with at best medium expectations,and the first 7 or 8 minutes lived up to this. After that WOW.This movie was nuts,what a great story, I was absolutely riveted by the 2 main characters in this movie..Dominique Vandenberg improved as the movie went on to the point of moving me and Steven Bauer was perfect right from the get-go.

There is allot of violence in this movie, and normally North American Action/Violent movies in the B budget range lack good story's, emotion, and likable characters or even good fights for that mater. This has them all in spades, and on-top of that very stylish and watchable filming and editing in general.

Do you need to know the basic story still? OK. In a nut shell, a man has lost his memory after a big shoot out where he was gravely injured,he was saved and is now "owned" by a "want to get ahead" but nice Mexican (Steven Bauer)and since it turns out the man has fighting skills, that is were they go to make their money.But that is not the story.Just the action. The story is about a fellow who has forgotten his past, and has sort of made up one for himself that is much better then he really was, but still truthful in a twisted way until that past catches up to him.Then it is about redemption and honour.

Great effort,very good movie.

Try it, you might like it

[larryyates222 · 7/10 · 13 June 2005]

I've read the negative comments on this film and agree that there are some things that could have been done to make the movie better. However, Mr. Johnson has made a really good film considering the budget he had to work with. As a recording artist I am well aware of the difference that a big budget makes.

The fight scenes were very well done. Dominique Vandenberg is an awesome fighter and looks the part. It's good to see a fight film without the special effects used in today's martial arts movies. A refreshing return to the days when martial artist were only dependent on their own physical skills. Mr. Vandenberg is certainly one to watch for in the future.

Steven Bauer and Stephen Graham are great actors and added a lot to this movie. Mr Graham's part was small but so well done. He is one of those great actors that makes it look easy, so natural.

From my point of view, Steven Bauer was the star of this film. His character was the thread that tied the story together. Another fine actor that makes the work look easy. Fernando Carrillo is another one to watch for in the future. He is very charismatic.

For those of you who are into violence, this film is violent. There are some scenes that are over the top with rage. And there is a lot of killing going on.

The theme of a bad guy trying to make up for his past is a good twist.

Showing Promise

[penanceangel · 7/10 · 28 July 2005]

The movie's first scene will give you more of an idea of what I'm talking about. The film opens up to images of a South American underground fight club. The crowd is warmed up to the violence by chained dogs snarling and lashing out, held just out of range by their collars. A feeling of routine is pervasive in something we might find abhorrent. Money exchanges hands. The kind of music you'd expect from a Rodriguez film begins, but the tone instead is slightly mournful. All the while, fleeting scenes of the fighters parading towards the ring, heads covered and bowed, become the primary focus. It's fight night, and the crowd wants blood. The battle is part Ultimate Fighting Championship, part Bloodsport riff, but it's well put together, and well shot. Brutal, violent, and quick. A pile of money goes to victor's trainer, and they walk out as they came in. All in a night's work for a pit fighter.

The director didn't have to do that, he could have made a decent fight flick and left it at that. But the quality filming and the unusual little editions is what will keep me watching the people behind this film. I'll be looking up their earlier work as well. I'm afraid the film isn't great, though, just better than average, a garnet in the rough, so to speak. Look it up when you're in the mood for a little hard hitting action but aren't into the Hong Kong style.

Great Fights!

[supertom-3 · 8/10 · 8 June 2005]

This is a hard kicking, hard punching fight fest that seems to be becoming something of a cult hit amongst genre fans. What the film lacks in frugality it more than makes up for with it's bone crunching fight scenes. This really is an action lovers film. it's simple entertainment and enjoyably violent.

The films plot involving a kick-boxing and amnesiac Christian is at times perfunctory for this type of movie. However Steven Bauer, as the Pit-Fighters manager and friend does a very good job in keeping a sense of humanity in the film, while leading man Dominique Vandenberg does reasonably well, as far as kick boxers turned actors go. However when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of kicking ass, Vandenberg looks at home. Director Jesse Johnson, whose previous effort The Honourable, proved as popular amongst action junkies (those who saw it) has a good understanding of style. He shoots the film nicely and it has an interesting and unique look. There's a hint of that Erin Brockovich, Traffic type colour pallet that Soderbergh used and the film almost looks documentary at times. There are times when this film looks really good and there are interesting choices in editing. The fights in particular get right into the face of the action. You feel every crack and crunch of sinew, every tear of cartilage. It's gloriously violent at times and nicely stylish. it's a far cry from the showy antics of Mr Van Damme's similar themed films. The film also features a nice low key and at time's interesting score.

Overall this is a highly polished and enjoyable piece of action cinema, considering it's measly $600,000 budget and while it's been there done that, with an end action scene that borders ludicrous, it gets by on some of the most wince-worthy fight sequences for sometime. ***

Not a bad effort Jesse, would like to see you work with a better script!

[id247 · 7/10 · 10 July 2005]

I worked with Jesse Johnson in the UK in 1988 on his first short film Old Priest, an homage to spaghetti westerns. It was clear then he showed talent, and 17 years later I was delighted to see his latest work The Pitfighter on French TV earlier today.

On the plus side we see Jesse working with a limited budget to produce a competent, professional effort, with much style and thought. Steven Bauer is excellent and gives this tale of a man seeking redemption some weight. Jesse's script could have done with a further re-write, but shows moments of humanity in amongst all the brutality.

On the negative side though there is too much unnecessary violence, which negates the film's many thoughtful and tender moments. While I expected some tough moments during the fight sequences, it was the violence outside of the ring that surprised me. The scene in a car park of man getting his mouth smashed in with an icepick for me was way over-the-top, as were some of the shootouts.

I'd like to see Jesse Johnson given a decent budget, and perhaps someone else's material, at this point in his career his directorial skills far outweigh his scriptwriting ability. He has the ability to make a full-blown Robert Rodriguez/Sam Peckinpah style film, but only if he acknowledges his own failings and works in collaboration with others who can compliment his abilities.

You may be interested to know that when I watched this on French channel TPS, it was about 5pm on a Sunday afternoon, and before the film they showed a caption saying that this film is not recommended for children under the age of TEN! They must have tough kids in France, in the UK this film would have an 18 rating for sure.

I've given this film 7/10. Recommended for those action fans who like to see what is possible on a small budget, and those of you who like your fight sequences realistic and brutal.

impressive

[movieman_kev · 7/10 · 3 June 2005]

Jack (Dominique Vandenberg) gets amnesia after a bullet in the head almost kills him. Five years later, still haunted by dreams and visions of a woman he loved in his previous life even while attempting to stay the top pit fighter, his past catches up to him. However he might not like what he remembers. Writer/Director Jesse Johnson made a film that looked significantly better then his meager budget would suggest. The fights are pretty brutal and well choreographed. The story while not the most original one is serviceable enough and while this is the sole film that I've seen or heard of Dominique Vandenberg, I can already tell that a more interesting actor to watch then, say, Don "the Dragon' Wilson. Now on to hunting down Vandenberg's "The Honorable" which I've heard great things about. the film is not without a few flaws, but I found it entertaining even if the ending comes across as more than a tad bit silly. Oh and Steven Bauer's the best he's been since "Gleaming the Cube" in this one.

My Grade: B-

Eye Candy: Adult film actor, Aspen Stevens, gets topless as well as shows her ass

Classic Fighting Flick

[sydneyswesternsuburbs · 10/10 · 17 June 2011]

Director Jessie V Johnson who also created other classic flicks, Fifth Commandment 2008, Charlie Valentine 2009, The Package 2013, The Butcher 2009, The Debt Collector 2018, Accident Man 2018 and another classic fighting flick Savage Dog 2017 has created another gem in Pit Fighter.

Starring Dominique Vandenberg who has also been in Jesse V Johnson's Charlie Valentine and The Butcher.

Also starring is Steven Bauer who like Dominique Vanderberg was in Jesse V Johnson's Charlie Valentine plus other classic flicks, The Beast of War 1988 and Scarface 1983.

Also starring is Scott Adkins who has also been in other classic flicks, Undisputed 2 2006, Undisputed 3 2010, The Bourne Ultimatum 2007, The Tournament 2009, Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning 2012, Ninja: Shadow of a Tear 2013, The Expendables 2012, Re-Kill 2013, Ninja 2009 and another classic fighting flick, Boyka: Undisputed IV 2016 , Grimsby 2016, Hard Target 2 2016, Doctor Strange 2016, Zero Dark Thirty 2012, Wolf Warrior II 2017, Jarhead 3: The Siege 2016 and Jesse V Johnsons Savage Dog 2017, The Debt collector 2018 and Accident Man 2018.

I enjoyed the fight and shooting scenes.

If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic fighting flicks, Blood and Bone 2009, Fight Club 1999, Hard Times 1975, Shootfighter Fight to the Death 1993, Arena 2011, Raze 2013, Damage 2009, Warrior 2011, The Wrestler 2008, Lady Bloodfight 2016, Kickboxer: Retaliation 2018 and Street Warrior 2008.

Redemption through violence...

[adrenokrome · 9/10 · 27 September 2005]

There is so much to this movie it's difficult to know where to begin. Being a martial arts freak, I had been following this film through its production stages and I was not disappointed with the end result.

The story is a tale of one mans redemption through violence. It is here where the fun begins – the fight scenes are kept to a more real approach opposed to going for the wire work ballet found in a huge back catalogue of hong kong flicks and many recent Hollywood outings. Favouring a more UFC/ K-1 approach, the fights have a gritty edge and the hero played by an enigmatic 'Dominique Vandenberg' who demonstrates a legit martial arts prowess! Vandenberg plays it very cool as Jack Severino/ El Yanqui and Steven Bauer puts in a very respectable performance as his manager and friend. The shoot-outs are wonderfully brutal, special mention to the end blaze of glory which is an almost tongue in cheek effigy to the high grossing action films of the 80s and a few classic samurai flicks.

The tone of the movie is set by a distinct quote.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." And this is exactly what Director 'Jesse Johnson' does with a great passion for action. On a reported budget of $500,000.00 (aka nowt!) he has deftly crafted a intriguing tale of brotherhood, vendetta and redemption through violence.

Get Into the Pit!

[tarbosh22000 · 8/10 · 12 May 2010]

"Pit Fighter" is a gritty and bloody action movie.

Jack (Dominiquie Vandenberg) wakes from a coma after a bullet was put into his brain. All he wants is revenge. But first he needs to climb up the ranks of a corrupt system and that means he has to fight.

If you want realistic and well-choreographed fights this is the movie for you. Every move is bone-crunching. One guy gets his eye knocked out! Vandenberg puts in a gruff performance as the anti-hero. Steven Bauer plays his friend and manager. Bauer is always good and he has some interesting lines like: "Well, you ever wanna know what God thinks about money, you look at those to whom he gives it to." The movie is fast-paced and well-directed. Jesse Johnson put a lot of energy and effort into this and it paid off.

The climax is amazing in its scope. Jack fights everybody with only a sword and his fists.

"Pit Fighter" is a hidden gem that's worth uncovering.

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I really dug this movie.

[trjpm · 9/10 · 18 January 2006]

Yeah, I found Pit Fighter to be awesome. I'm not sure if it would appeal to anyone that doesn't like the fighting genre. But for those who like it, congrats, you got yourself a good movie. I wouldn't say there's nothing wrong with this movie though. There are a few holes in the plot, like the ending (It didn't make a crazy lot of sense, but hey, I like blood). That, and I thought that the parts with the Virgin Mary were really, REALLY cheesy. Like, in a bad way. It was a bad special effect PLUS it was just kind of dumb. It showed that he was a religious man, but the parts were kind of pointless and dumb. Other than those two flaws, I think this is a great movie and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see a less psychological Fight Club.

Totally nuts, I loved this movie...

[cwc-8 · 10/10 · 22 February 2006]

After reading some of the other reviews posted on this website I was not so sure what to expect of this movie, but I was blown away. I don't know if I'm looking at a different version of the film, but the ending I saw on the Fox Canadian DVD I purchased, had a very effective shoot-out at the end, not only does the lead character get shot during the gun- fight, but he is riddled with gunfire at the end, just blasted to pieces, I totally wasn't expecting it. The guy sacrificed himself to let the revolutionary couple get away . For a presumably low budget action movie this is some lofty idealism, I guess this could be why some of the user reviews are mixed. The moral might be, that it is wiser to be less high minded with your story if you are going to title it "Pit Fighter." Back to the my review, the film certainly delivers on the action front, the fighting seems authentic enough, violent, bloody. I really liked the shoot out by the trucks, all in all the acting is solid. The lead is believable, kinda scary, and Steven Bauer, well, this guy really delivers in this movie. where has he been? The guy is awesome, just riveting, I was moved by what was obviously a very personal performance. I almost feel like apologizing to the Dutch reviewer, who can't spell very well, but this film was very entertaining, the Dutch version must have been very different to mine, because i just don't see how he formed his opinion. I am recommending this film and not just to fight fans, of which I'm not, but to film fans, this is a film with a lot more going for it than the violent fight scenes. One of the other reviewer's mentions "Bring me the Head of Alfredo Garcia" , high praise indeed-- this film is similar in tone to that one, and that film has it's critics. Less informed perhaps, less worldly wise, but more important than the pulpy title prepares you for.

Good fun

[kido_1 · 8/10 · 24 January 2006]

This film is good fun, it's not meant to be taken too seriously, it's meant to be enjoyed. It's just another good old fashioned drug lord vs hero movie.

OK, so the script is rubbish, the acting is worse and the way it is shot look almost childish but that's not the point... the fighting is good and strong, there's a mixture of styles and although it isn't shocking it's good fun.

If you're expecting Oscar winning stuff then go and buy a three hour bible epic. If you wanna be entertained and watch some good fighting, and laugh at the seemingly invincible man then get pit fighter.